The lowest earning households in Northern Ireland have just £52 left each week after bills, it has been revealed. The Consumer Council's latest Northern Ireland Household Expenditure Tracker for Quarter 3 2024 (July to September) has been released, which tracks changes to income and expenditure for households.
The tracker found Northern Ireland's lowest earning households have seen their discretionary income fall by 20% since the first quarter of 2021, leaving them with less than £52 per week on average after paying for essentials.
From July to September 2024, on average the lowest earning households spent 49% of their basic spending on food, rent, energy, and transport per week. The new figures showed the lowest earning households also have 6% less income before tax than the UK average.
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The discretionary income of lowest earning households in Northern Ireland has increased over last quarter from £49.95 to £51.45 per week, which equates to just £1.50 extra per week.
The Consumer Council said the ability of households in Northern Ireland to absorb unexpected bills or price rises differs sharply depending on household income. Northern Ireland’s highest earning households have on average over 13 times more discretionary income left to spend every week compared to the lowest earning households.
Anne-Marie Murphy, Director of Strategy & Emerging Markets at the Consumer Council, said: “In July – September 2024, while our lowest earning households saw a small rise in discretionary income this equates to only £1.50 per week, leaving these households with less than £52 on average after spending on basics.
"Food costs represent the highest area of spend for many of our lower income households and the economic climate continues to cause concern. Our latest Pulse Survey showed that more than two in five (43%) of Northern Ireland’s consumers felt that their household was worse off compared to 12 months ago.”
“To help consumers, the Consumer Council offers a variety of support and advice including interactive tools to compare energy costs and advice on how to reduce your bills and make your money go further at www.consumercouncil.org.uk.”
You can view the latest Northern Ireland Household Expenditure Tracker here: Q3 2024 Northern Ireland Household Expenditure Tracker | Consumer Council
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